Let's hope voters are paying attention to the U.S. House of Representatives. In a useless, strictly political maneuver, the House voted 244-185 to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which already has been upheld as constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court recently.

It is the 33rd time Republicans have tried to repeal all or parts of the legislation since taking control of the House in January 2011. Of course, it's an exercise in futility considering that: 1) The Senate is controlled by Democrats, so the repeal will never get through that chamber; and 2) even if it did, President Barack Obama would veto it, and there are not enough votes to override Obama's veto.

Both parties are guilty of playing politics instead of doing the business of the people. But if Republicans wanted to be constructive on health care reform, they would get with Democrats and negotiate changes both sides can live with. No doubt, there could be improvements to the Affordable Care Act. But that's not what Republicans (nor, really, Democrats) want. Instead, they both want to play politics, because this is an election year, and they think these displays bolster their sides.

At least some Republicans are now talking about needing to find ways to implement the more popular aspects of the ACA, like coverage for pre-existing illnesses and keeping children on parents' health insurance until their 27th birthdays.

Yes, every one of Alabama's Republican House members voted in favor of repealing the ACA; no surprise there. Our House members are no more or less political than the rest. And opposing the Affordable Care Act plays well in Alabama, where voters, time and again, decide against their better interests.

It's ridiculous, however, that the House would go after the ACA 33 times in fewer than two years. We get it. Republicans don't want everybody to have decent, quality health care. Just those who can afford it. Yeah, we get it. No need to keep wasting time on needless debate and useless votes. The message is clear. Really.